Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.

Phoenix (Black City #2)By: Elizabeth RichardsReleased: June 4, 2013"Weeks after his crucifixion and rebirth as Phoenix, Ash Fisher believes his troubles are far behind him. He and Natalie are engaged and life seems good. But his happiness is short-lived when he receives a threatening visit from Purian Rose, who gives Ash an ultimatum: vote in favor of Rose’s Law permanently relegating Darklings to the wrong side of the wall or Natalie will be killed. The decision seems obvious to Ash; he must save Natalie. But when Ash learns about The Tenth, a new and deadly concentration camp where the Darklings would be sent, the choice doesn’t seem so simple. Unable to ignore his conscience, Ash votes against Rose’s Law, signing Natalie’s death warrant and putting a troubled nation back into the throes of bloody battle" (Summary from goodreads.com)I loved Black City and can't wait to read what will happen next!

Friday, March 22, 2013

"When the death of his bandmate forces twenty-one-year-old rockstar Roman Montgomery to return to his real hometown to do some damage control, he runs into the last person he ever wanted to see again―his childhood sweetheart. Eighteen-year-old Junie Baltimore has problems of her own. Heartbroken from her first love and mourning the death of her father, Junie isn't ready to return to the small coastal town of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for her mom's remarriage. When she runs into Roman with his cheshire grin and emerald eyes that still make her weak in the knees, she's determined not to swoon―or be swooned. But when an obsessed paparazzo hell-bent on destroying Roman slut-shames Junie on every tabloid in the country, she begins to understand why he left, and broke her heart, in the first place. Maybe it wasn't because he's ashamed of his past. Maybe it's because there is something here he wants to protect. And maybe it's time someone protected him."

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Mila 2.0 By: Debra DrizaReleased: March 12, 2013Source: EdelweissPurchase the Book: Amazon*A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review "Mila was never meant to learn the truth about her identity. She was a girl living with her mother in a small Minnesota town. She was supposed to forget her past—that she was built in a secret computer science lab and programmed to do things real people would never do. Now she has no choice but to run—from the dangerous operatives who want her terminated because she knows too much and from a mysterious group that wants to capture her alive and unlock her advanced technology. However, what Mila’s becoming is beyond anyone’s imagination, including her own, and it just might save her life. Mila 2.0 is Debra Driza’s bold debut and the first book in a Bourne Identity-style trilogy that combines heart-pounding action with a riveting exploration of what it really means to be human. Fans of I Am Number Four will love Mila for who she is and what she longs to be—and a cliffhanger ending will leave them breathlessly awaiting the sequel" (Summary from goodreads.com)Mila 2.0 has been on my list for months because this whole synopsis just sounded great and this book definitely didn't disappoint me.Mila thinks that she is just a normal girl who has moved to a new town with her mom until she discovers that she was actually created in a lab. She has all these cool programs and all this technology built right into her body. It was so great to read about all of this technology. However, there are people who want to capture her. Mila was an excellent main character and although she may not be human, she comes across as a real girl who still feels things. I found that she just really developed through the course of the story. There are a lot of interesting characters that Mila meets along the way in this book. Some I liked and some I really couldn't stand. I hated most of the characters in the first section of the book because it was just ridiculous that the girls in her school would behave that way, especially Kaylee. I really enjoyed the relationship that Mila shares with her mom though. However, I definitely did want to read more of Hunter being developed. I'm still just really unsure of his character. At first I thought there was some insta-love connection between Hunter and Mila and then it was just dropped, but now I'm just so unsure about him all together. The plot was great and immediately pulled me in. It also flows really well from chapter to chapter and I loved how the book was broken up into sections. The whole first part really sets up the story and the characters, so I liked that I was given some background before jumping right into the action. I also liked how we learned what Mila is along with her. The rest of the book is exciting and filled with action though. It could get predictable at moments, but I didn't really mind that all too much.

Driza makes an excellent debut and her writing is great. I loved how she conveyed Mila's emotions because from the first section of the book, I just really felt for this character. I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel now because I have a lot of questions left. Overall, I strongly recommend Mila 2.0. It's an exciting story that will be difficult to put down.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.

Dare You To (Pushing the Limits #2)By: Katie McGarryRelease Date: May 28, 2013""I dare you..." If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness. That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does.... Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him. But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all...." (Summary from goodreads.com)Pushing the Limits was one of my favorite books of 2012 so I'm definitely excited for Dare You To.

Monday, March 18, 2013

The Wild Ones: "Passion as hot as midnight in the South and love as wild as the horses they tame.The darling daughter of a champion Thoroughbred breeder, Camille "Cami” Hines has a pedigree that rivals some of her father’s best horses. Other than feeling a little suffocated at times, Cami thought she was happy with her boyfriend, her life and her future—until she met Patrick Henley. "Trick” blurs the lines between what Cami wants and what is expected of her—and he just happens to be so sexy she can’t keep her hands off him. While they both know that Trick would lose his much needed job on the ranch if anyone finds out, they can’t resist the lure of their scorchingly hot encounters. But when Trick stumbles upon a note from his father, it triggers a series of revelations that could ruin what he and Cami have worked so hard to overcome. It turns out there’s more to Trick’s presence at the ranch than either of them knew, and secrets with the power to tear them apart "

M. Leighton, author of The Wild Ones, Down to You, and Up to Me, has kindly stopped by The Reading Geek today to answer some questions.

1.) Hi M. Leighton thanks for taking the time to answer some questions. First tell us a bit about yourself.Thank you so much for having me. I’m honored to be here. Well, I’m a Northern-Southern hybrid, but I’ve been down South long enough to be able to legitimately call myself a Southerner. LOL I’m married to my own personal hero and we have a dog that outsmarts me on a regular basis. I’ve only been writing since June of 2009 and before that I held over thirty jobs *cringes* the last of which was as a registered nurse. I’ve done a little bit of everything and never been as happy as what I am right now. I’m living proof that not everyone finds their place in life right after school. All that means is that when you find it, it’s that much sweeter.2.) If Cami and Trick each had their own theme songs what would they be?I don’t know if these would really be theme songs, per se, but they are songs that I think capture the feel of their place in the story. Does that make sense? It’s going to seem backward when I tell you, but it’s the lyrics that make them fit so perfectly. For Cami, it would be Wild Ones by Flo Rida. In many ways, she wants Trick to tame her, to make her his own like he does with the wild horses. For Trick, I would choose Wild Horses by The Sundays. Trick has so many reasons to stay away from Cami, and he tries. Valiantly. But he simply can’t. He can’t fight it. Much like the song, wild horses couldn’t drag him away.

3.) How has the whole process of rereleasing The Wild Ones with a publisher been like?It has been so exciting! I’m a total newbie, so I’m fascinated with every step of the process. LOL First of all, it wouldn’t have happened at all without my SUPER HERO agent, Kim Whalen. That woman…well, she completes me. LOL And then there’s my amazing editor. I’ll call her “OMG, Kate Seaver!” Yeah,she’s THAT good!! She went through the book with me, explaining places she felt like, as a reader, she’d like more explanation or more detail. After getting her input and insight, I was able to make some changes and additions that, in my opinion, make the book better. I’m incredibly thrilled and appreciative over that aspect alone. But then, months later, to be able to walk into a bookstore and see my book—MY BOOK—on a shelf with so many wonderful works of literature… *sigh* THAT has been one of the most wonderful and surreal experiences of my life. I’m living a dream that I share with so many other authors. I feel blessed and privileged and more grateful than I can explain to be where I am. Not for one minute of one day do I take it for granted.

4.) What is your writing process like? (Any favorite snacks, writing places, music)Well, believe it or not, my writing time is very…sterile. LOL I like absolute quiet and I don’t eat or drink until I’m done for the day. Unless it’s to break for a meal. Of course, there are days when I hit a snag and all I do is eat. Very little actual writing gets done on those days. LOL Grrrrrr. But when the flow is on, I sit in my office, in the quiet, and write until the scene is done or until I’m all typed out for the day, whichever comes first. Then it’s cross my fingers and hope for a next day rinse-and-repeat. LOL

5.) Can you share anything about the next book in The Wild Ones series? I can tell you that the next book to be published will actually be about Jake, Jenna’s brother. It’s kind of crazy the way it all happened, but Jake got in my head and won’t leave. So, although Rusty and Jenna’s story is done and will be published at a later date, the next book to come out in this series will be about the delicious Jake. Um, did I mention he’s a firefighter? *winks* Thank you so much for having me!!!

Thanks again M. Leighton for stopping by to answer some questions! I don't know about you but I'm certainly excited about the next book in The Wild Ones series now! Make sure you pick up a copy of The Wild Ones which is out now! I love this story and will definitely be picking up a new copy to reread again, especially now that it includes some new bonus content.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.

The Summer I Became A NerdBy: Leah Rae MillerRelease Date: May 7, 2013"On the outside, seventeen-year-old Madelyne Summers looks like your typical blond cheerleader—perky, popular, and dating the star quarterback. But inside, Maddie spends more time agonizing over what will happen in the next issue of her favorite comic book than planning pep rallies with her squad. That she’s a nerd hiding in a popular girl's body isn’t just unknown, it's anti-known. And she needs to keep it that way. Summer is the only time Maddie lets her real self out to play, but when she slips up and the adorkable guy behind the local comic shop’s counter uncovers her secret, she’s busted. Before she can shake a pom-pom, Maddie’s whisked into Logan’s world of comic conventions, live-action role-playing, and first-person-shooter video games. And she loves it. But the more she denies who she really is, the deeper her lies become…and the more she risks losing Logan forever." (Summary from goodreads.com)This books sounds so good and definitely like a story I will love.

Monday, March 11, 2013

Emblaze (Violet Eden #3)By: Jessica ShirvingtonReleased: March 5, 2013Source: E-book from PublisherPurchase the Book: Amazon*A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review "Once again Violet Eden faces an impossible choice ... and the consequences are unimaginable. Violet has come to terms with the fact that being part angel, part human, means her life will never be as it was. Now Violet has something Phoenix - the exiled angel who betrayed her - will do anything for, and she has no intention of letting it fall into his hands. The only problem is that he has something she needs too. Not afraid to raise the stakes, Phoenix seemingly holds all the power, always one step ahead. And when he puts the final pieces of the prophecy together, it doesn't take him long to realise exactly who he needs in order to open the gates of Hell. With the help of surprising new allies, ancient prophecies are deciphered, a destination set and, after a shattering confrontation with her father, Violet leaves for the islands of Greece without knowing if she will have a home to return to.." (Summary from goodreads.com)I was so excited to start Emblaze because I really enjoy this Violet Eden series. I love how each book keeps getting better and better in this series. I enjoyed Embrace but really enjoyed Entice more. Now, however, I think Emblaze is my new favorite in the series. Violet keeps on developing more and more with each new book as well. She continues to deal with a lot ever since she learned she is part angel. She is a realistic character still to me though. Then there is Lincoln and Phoenix. I have loved Lincoln since the first book and one of my only complaints about this book is that there wasn't enough Lincoln. However, I'm starting to lean towards Phoenix now too. I'm not a big fan of love triangles and when I do choose one guy, I tend to stick with that guy throughout the series. There is just something about Phoenix though. I think with each new book, I am starting to understand him better.The plot was paced well and I finished this book in a couple of days. I love how everything is all coming together now. From the beginning I was immediately hooked back into this world and I was excited to be reunited with these characters again. I'm happy it wasn't too long ago that I last read Entice so the plot was still pretty fresh in my mind. I loved going to a new setting in Greece in this book. The previous book took place partially in Jordan, so it was great to go somewhere new again. The plot had some great twists and I think that is what made me enjoy this book even more than Entice. I had a feeling where the story might go next, but I loved how it all played out and I was still taken by surprise. I just can't wait to read the next installment in this series now! Overall I really enjoyed Emblaze and I think this series just keeps on getting better. I definitely recommend checking out this series because the whole angel mythology is great.My Rating:

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Wait for You By: J. LynnReleased: March 5, 2013Source: Purchased E-bookPurchase the Book: Amazon*Note this is a New Adult Title"Some things are worth waiting for…Traveling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at the Halloween party five years ago—an event that forever changed her life. All she needs to do is make it to her classes on time, make sure the bracelet on her left wrist stays in place, not draw any attention to herself, and maybe—please God—make a few friends, because surely that would be a nice change of pace. The one thing she didn’t need and never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she’s building for herself. Some things are worth experiencing… Cameron Hamilton is six feet and three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make her want things she believed were irrevocably stolen from her. She knows she needs to stay away from him, but Cam is freaking everywhere, with his charm, his witty banter, and that damn dimple that’s just so… so lickable. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but when ignoring the simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible, he brings out a side of her she never knew existed. Some things should never be kept quiet… But when Avery starts receiving threatening emails and phone calls forcing her to face a past she wants silenced, she has no other choice but to acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. When the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface this time with one less scar? And can Cam be there to help her or will he be dragged down with her? And some things are worth fighting for…" (Sumamry from goodreads.com)No big surprise that Jennifer L. Armentrout has written yet another book that I absolutely love. I have high expectations every time that I start a new book by her, but she just exceeds those expectations every single time. I stayed up all night to read Wait for You because I just couldn't put it down.Avery is starting college in a new small town and wants to leave behind her past back home. Avery made for an excellent protagonist and my heart just broke for her at times. She isn't perfect and she could get frustrating at times, but it's understandable. She has been through a lot in her past and she is trying to start over. Avery just really develops so strongly through the course of the story too.Then there is Cam who I'm completely in love with now too. Armentrout just knows how to write swoon-worthy male characters. Cam has a bit of a past of his own and really develops through the course of the story as well. The relationship between Cam and Avery was so realistic and it takes the time to develop and grow. The attraction and chemistry is especially present from the beginning, but there is definitely no insta-love here. I also completely loved the banter between them because it was so fun.There were also some other fantastic characters in this story, such as Avery's friends Brit and Jacob. I loved the whole banter they all shared too. Then lastly there was Cam's best friend Ollie, who I loved as well and definitely wanted more of. The plot itself was really captivating and I couldn't put my reader down from the moment I began this story. First I liked that there was a bit of a mystery surrounding the truth about Avery's past and I liked how it was all slowly unraveled through the whole course of the story. Every couple of chapters, the reader is given a bit more of the story of her past until it is all pieced together. Therefore this book definitely has some heavy and emotional moments. However there are still the light and fun moments mixed in too, which definitely helps balance out the whole story. I admit I was even laughing out loud at some moments.

I also loved the setting in the college and the whole feel of the environment. I really felt like I was there with these characters. Overall I absolutely loved Wait for You and can't wait until I can read it again and again. I strongly recommend picking this one up immediately, it's a beautiful story!

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.

Of Triton (Of Poseidon #2)By: Anna BanksRelease Date: May 28, 2013"In this sequel to OF POSEIDON, Emma has just learned that her mother is a long-lost Poseidon princess, and now struggles with an identity crisis: As a Half-Breed, she’s a freak in the human world and an abomination in the Syrena realm below. Syrena law states that all Half- Breeds should be put to death. As if that’s not bad enough, her mother’s reappearance among the Syrena turns the two kingdoms—Poseidon and Triton—against one another. Which leaves Emma with a decision to make: Should she comply with Galen’s request to keep herself safe and just hope for the best? Or should she risk it all and reveal herself—and her Gift—to save a people she’s never known?" (Summary from goodreads.com)I loved Of Poseidon and can't wait to read what will happen next!

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

"Nestled along the coastline of North Carolina, the Outer Banks Tennis Academy is the best elite tennis training facility in the world. Head Coach, Dominic Kingston has assembled some of the finest talent in the sport. From the game's biggest stars to athletes scraping and clawing to achieve their dreams, OBX is full of ego, drama and romance. Only the strong survive in this pressure cooker of competition, on and off the court.Penny Harrison, the biggest rising star in tennis, is determined to win the French Open and beat her rival, the world’s number one player, Zina Lutrova. There’s just one problem, the only person who’s ever been able to shake her laser-like focus is her new training partner. Alex Russell, tennis’s resident bad boy, is at OBX recovering from a knee injury suffered after he crashed his motorcycle (with an Aussie supermodel on the back). He's hoping to regain his former place at the top of men’s tennis and Penny’s heart, while he’s at it.Tennis is all Jasmine Randazzo has ever known. Her parents have seven Grand Slam championships between them and she’s desperate to live up to their legacy. Her best friend is Teddy Harrison, Penny’s twin brother, and that’s all they’ve ever been, friends. Then one stupid, alcohol-laced kiss makes everything super awkward just as she as she starts prepping for the biggest junior tournament of the year, the Outer Banks Classic.The Classic is what draws Indiana Gaffney out of the hole she crawled into after her mom’s death. Even though she’s new to OBX, a win at the Classic is definitely possible. She has a big serve and killer forehand, but the rest of her game isn’t quite up to scratch and it doesn’t help that Jasmine Randazzo and her little minions are stuck-up bitches or that Jack Harrison, Penny’s agent and oldest brother, is too hot for words, not to mention way too old for her.Who will rise? Who will fall? Told from rotating points of view, GAME. SET. MATCH., is a 'new adult' novel about three girls with one goal: to be the best tennis player in the world."

Jennifer's Reaction to the Cover:

My cover artist is the INCREDIBLE Erin Fitzsimmons, who also designed (and redesigned) the covers for Lauren Oliver's Delirium series! I love how it focuses on the girl, because the girls are truly the heart of this series, plus the couple really looks like Penny and Alex, one of the three couples featured in the OBX series. That's one of my pet peeves, when the models don't look anything like the characters! And of course, the kiss, because really, who doesn't a love a little kissing?! I adore the title treatment. The yellow brightening to the green brings out a fun tennis color scheme. So yes, lots of love from my end, but I fully admit, I may be a little biased.

Monday, March 4, 2013

The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines #3)By: Richelle MeadReleased: February 12, 2013Source: PurchasedPurchase the Book: Amazon"In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next. Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, the Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive—this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone’s out for blood." (Summary from goodreads.com)I loved The Indigo Spell! I'm a huge fan of The Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series. This book was just yet another excellent addition to the series. Sydney is dealing with so much throughout this book. She first must help keep Jill hidden and safe. Then she is continuing to learn magic while also searching down a evil magic user. Then there are the Alchemists and Marcus Finch. Sydney takes on so many responsibilities because she is always putting others ahead of herself. It was nice to finally see her saying "no" for once though. She definitely is continuing to grow and develop with each new book in the series. Next there is Adrian who I just keep falling more and more in love with. There a ton of other great characters who I was happy to see return in this book as well. The plot was paced well and I finished it rather quickly. I love how everything is starting to come together with each new addition to the series. Mead's books always make me laugh and this one is no different. I honestly laughed through one whole chapter. There are plenty of other funny moments as well. Then there is a lot of drama and some action as well. Some aspects of the plot did get a bit predictable by the end but it really didn't stop me from enjoying the story any less. Overall I absolutely loved The Indigo Spell! I can't wait to read the next book and read where Mead will bring these characters next. If you haven't read this series yet then I strongly recommend picking it up right away!My Rating:

Disclaimer

All reviews published on this blog are based on books that I have either purchased myself or received from an author or publisher in exchange for an honest review. It is noted in the review whether I purchased a book myself or received the book from the publisher or author. I receive no compensation from any of the reviews that I publish. Unless otherwise noted, all photos used on this blog are from Google and are not owned by me.